A horrified Scots woman tried to save a helpless bird that had a discarded face mask tied around its beak - preventing it from fully opening.
Maureen Griffiths was in Alexandra Park in Dennistoun on Sunday morning helping out with a bird survey and luckily spotted the female goosander as she was looking so closely at the birds.
The poor animal's beak had become tangled in a the elasticated end of a disposable face mask and although she looked "very hungry", she was unable to open her beak to eat.
On a mission to save the bird, Maureen and her husband called in a friend who is a qualified bird ringer.
The trio tried to coax the gooseander with bird food but were unable to entice it to come close enough.
Maureen told the Record: "We were up in the park on Sunday morning helping out with a bird survey and we were looking very closely to count them.
"We saw one had a covid mask around its beak.
"I was horrified. I've never saw a mask end up doing that - I'm used to seeing them lying around the park.
"It was quite calm but it was obviously very hungry. We were throwing food and it was going for it but it could only open its beak a small bit but not a lot.
"I've lived here all my life and sometimes walk the park everyday - at least four or five times a week - and it's the first time I've ever seen anything like that."
The SSPCA were contacted to come out and rescue the bird but by the time they arrived it had gone.
The charity has urged people to dispose of their rubbish as litter can be "fatal" to animals.
It is not know if the bird managed to free itself from the entangled face mask.
Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer, Amy Stirton, said: "We were contacted on 15 February about a female goosander on Alexandra Park pond suspected to be tangled in a disposable face mask.
"We attended and there was no sign of the goosander or her group.
"We would like to remind the public to please dispose of all litter responsibly as this can have a detrimental effect on wildlife.
"Birds can get caught up, as in this case, which can cause damage or restrict their ability to eat. Animals can also ingest rubbish which can be fatal.
‘"If anyone does spot this goosander, or any animal in need of our help, please contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999."
